Best IPTV Apps by Platform: An Informational Roundup

Lists of the best IPTV apps usually rank a handful of players with scores that are rarely explained. This roundup takes a more useful approach for most readers: it maps well-known IPTV apps to the platforms they run on and describes what each is generally known for. There are no ratings and no winner — the right app depends on your device and preferences.

Please note: app availability, names, features and pricing change over time and can vary by region and device. CatchON TV is not affiliated with any of the developers mentioned, and naming an app here does not mean CatchON TV officially supports it. App compatibility can vary by device and setup; ask us which player suits your screen.

How to use this roundup

1. Find your platform below.
2. Note two or three apps that sound suitable.
3. Check they are currently available in your device's official store or from the developer's official source.
4. Try your first choice with your service, using the tests in our guide to choosing a TV player or choosing a mobile app.

Apps commonly used on Android TV and Google TV

Android-based TV devices have the broadest choice of IPTV players.

• TiviMate — widely known for a TV-style grid guide and a polished big-screen interface on Android TV devices, with additional features available in a paid premium version. See our TiviMate feature tour.
• IPTV Smarters Pro — a multi-platform player known for separate live, movies and series sections and availability on several platforms.
• Kodi with an IPTV add-on — Kodi is an open-source media centre; with a PVR IPTV add-on it can display live channels and a guide. Flexible, but more complex to set up.
• VLC — a general media player that can open playlists. Useful for testing, but it lacks a TV-style guide.

Apps commonly used on Fire TV

Fire TV runs an Android-based system, so many Android players can be used, though not all are in the Amazon Appstore. Some are installed from outside the store once the relevant setting is enabled — see our guide to installing apps on Fire TV. Commonly used names include TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro and VLC.

iPhone, iPad and Apple TV

Apple devices install apps only from the App Store. The selection of IPTV players there changes over time; look for apps that support the login method your service uses, a clear guide and on-demand sections. iPhone and iPad are confirmed devices for CatchON TV — see our guide to watching CatchON TV on iPhone and iPad. For the big screen, see choosing an Apple TV IPTV app.

Apps on Samsung and LG TVs

Smart TV app stores offer a narrower selection that varies by model, year and region.

• Smart IPTV — a long-standing smart TV player that has typically required a one-time activation with the developer.
• IPTV Smarters — versions have been available for some smart TV platforms, depending on region and model.

Check your TV's store for current availability. See our guide to IPTV Smarters on Samsung TVs.

What Roku offers

Roku's store has very few IPTV players, and third-party apps cannot be installed from elsewhere. Most Roku owners use a different approach — see IPTV options for Roku owners.

Apps for Windows and Mac computers

• VLC — cross-platform and able to open playlists; basic for live TV.
• Kodi with an IPTV add-on — a fuller TV experience with a guide, at the cost of setup complexity.
• Store apps — the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store list IPTV players whose availability changes.

See our guides to setting up IPTV on Windows and choosing a Windows player.

Roundup table

The table describes general reputations, not tested scores, and it will not be exhaustive.

Free versus paid apps

Many of the apps above can be used free, with optional paid features or licences purchased from the developer. A sensible approach:

1. Start with the free version and use it for a week with your service.
2. Note what you miss. Perhaps recording, multi-view or a customisation option.
3. Upgrade only for a feature you will use regularly.

Remember that app purchases are separate from your IPTV subscription — paid to the developer, with the developer's terms. Our guide to provider subscriptions versus app purchases explains the distinction.

Choosing between apps

• Want the most TV-like experience on Android TV? Start with a dedicated TV player.
• Use several kinds of devices? A multi-platform player keeps things familiar.
• Enjoy customising? A media centre such as Kodi offers flexibility.
• Just testing a service? A general media player can confirm the basics.

Safety first

Install only from official stores or developers' official sites. Avoid modified versions of paid apps, and never enter your account details into apps from unknown sources. Our guide to installing IPTV applications safely explains what to check.

A map, not a ranking

The best IPTV apps for you are the ones that run well on your platform and fit how you watch. Use this roundup to shortlist, check official availability, test with your service and keep what works. If you would like a suggestion for your device, contact CatchON TV.